First metabolic profile of Aspidosperma multiflorum leaves using UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS: evaluation of the cytotoxicity...

Aspidosperma multiflorum A.DC. (Apocynaceae), popularly known as "pequiá da casca grossa" or "pequiá cascudo," is widely distributed in Brazil; however, studied chemically and biologically to a limited extent. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine the metabolic profile and assess biological activities of ethanolic extract (EEF), ethyl acetate fraction (FAcF), and aqueous fraction (FAqF) of leaves derived from A. multiflorum. Samples were subjected to analysis by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization/quadrupole-time-of-flight-mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-QToF-MS/MS) in negative and positive ionization modes, enabling annotation of 40 compounds in comparison with published data and MS/MS fragmentation, predominantly glycosylated flavonoids. EEF and FAcF demonstrated significant activity against breast adenocarcinoma tumor cell line (MBA-MD-231), with inhibition of 96% (IC₅₀ of 34.56 μg/ml) and 93% (IC₅₀ of 13.58 μg/ml), respectively. FAcF exhibited inhibition of 94% (IC₅₀ of 16.64 μg/ml) against colorectal adenocarcinoma (HCT-116) and 91% (IC₅₀ of 10.30 μg/ml) against non-tumor murine fibroblast (L929). However, for EEF inhibition was only 19% against L929. EEF and FAqF were active against Staphylococcus aureus (MIC of 93 and 51 µg/ml, respectively), while FAcF and FAqF displayed activity against Candida krusei, currently known a Pichia kudriavzevii, (MIC of 23 and 31 µg/ml, respectively). Samples, at concentrations tested, demonstrated low antileishmanial, antioxidant, and anticholinesterase activities. Our results enhance chemical and biological knowledge regarding A. multiflorum which may be considered for utilization as a cytotoxic and antimicrobial agent following further in vivo investigations. Data generated may aid in preserving Brazilian biodiversity, as A. multiflorum is a threatened plant species.